Changbaishan, China –Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide this week announced the opening of its first dual-branded ski resort complex in Changbaishan, in China’s Jilin province near the North Korean border.
Owned by Dalian Wanda Group, Sheraton Changbaishan Resort and The Westin Changbaishan Resort are adjacent to the slopes of the Changbaishan International Resort in the Changbai Mountains, which first opened on a limited basis last winter. The opening marks Starwood’s first ski resort properties in the Asia Pacific region, and further lengthens the company’s footprint as the largest international luxury and upscale hotel operator in China where the company recently celebrated 103 hotels in operation, with another 100 hotels in the pipeline.
“We are proud to introduce the Sheraton and Westin brand to the Changbai Mountains with this spectacular, new year-round ski resort complex where guests will enjoy world-class amenities set against the backdrop of one of China’s most visually stunning mountain ranges,” said Stephen Ho, President, Asia Pacific, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, the volcanic Changbai mountain range extends along the border between China and North Korea and on into Russia, and is home to 200 animal and bird species. Guests will enjoy downhill skiing on trails surrounded by unspoiled pine forests, as well as ice skating and ice fishing. Within China, the Changbai Mountains include more than 494,000 acres established as a nature reserve in 1960 to protect their environment and eco-system.
The newly opened resort complex offers more than 37,000 square feet of function and meeting space, including a 13,362 square-foot ballroom, nine smaller meeting rooms, and a spacious pre-function area.
Sheraton Changbaishan Resort offers 297 guest rooms and suites with mountain or ski views, as well as a Sheraton Club lounge and Sheraton Club rooms with upgraded amenities. All guest rooms are equipped with an oversized work desk, high speed Internet, LCD flat panel television and iPhone/iPad docking station. Additional amenities include full service restaurants and lounge and fully equipped fitness facilities. The Sheraton brand’s signature restaurant, Feast, provides buffet-style dining. A second restaurant serves food a la carte, while Yue, the Sheraton Changbaishan Resort’s third dining outlet, offers traditional Chinese favorites with an emphasis on Cantonese cuisine.
The Westin Changbaishan Resort includes a Westin Kids Club, the signature Heavenly Spa, and an indoor swimming pool. All 262 guest rooms are equipped with high speed Internet and an ergonomic work space. Ski-in/ski-out access also allows guests to ski straight into the hotel lobby. Seasonal Tastes is the hotel’s signature restaurant featuring international fare. Maru, the first Korean restaurant in Starwood branded hotels, spices things up with hearty cuisine.